2010 Renault Zoe Preview - AllCarIndex

RENAULT ZOE PREVIEW: THE RELAXING, ZERO-EMISSION EVERYDAY CAR

Renault ZOE Preview provides a realistic glimpse of the forthcoming mass-market Renault electric car of the same name.

- A Clio-sized car featuring Renault’s new brand identity, including the new front-end signature.

- ZOE Preview benefits fully from Renault’s electric vehicle expertise:

• It combines specific electric vehicle features (fully-integrated battery, compact motor) with range management and optimisation aids
• It packs everything expected of a B-segment car, including a roomy interior, a spacious boot, manoeuvrable handling in built-up areas, reassuring road holding when motoring out of town and, of course, attractive looks.

- Renault ZOE Preview’s equipment package is tailored to pamper its occupants:

• A climate control system incorporating humidity level adjustment,
• A toxicity sensor for cleaner cabin air,
• An active relaxing or stimulating scent diffuser,
• Light therapy thanks to light emitted by the central display screen.

Renault ZOE Preview’s fluid, sensuous lines demonstrate that electric cars can not only be attractive but that they can also be enjoyable daily drivers. The vehicle on display at the Paris Motor Show is a near-definitive representation (90 per cent) of the vehicle that will be manufactured at Renault’s Flins plant, France. Its launch is scheduled for mid-2012.

Electrifying looks

ZOE Preview is evidence that 'zero-emission' cars can combine sensuous, reassuring, sculpted styling with the promise of real driving enjoyment.

The forward position of its windscreen and the teardrop form of its rear end emphasise the impression of fluidity, while its specific electric-car architecture permit a blunt bonnet and an intake-free front-end which contribute to its compact footprint and efficient aerodynamics.

It stands at just 4.10 metres in length and is powered by a 60kW (80hp) motor with torque of 222Nm that enables it to zip silently through city traffic. ZOE Preview is also ideal for out-of-town journeys thanks to its 19-inch wheels and reassuring, profiled flanks.

Renault ZOE Preview’s battery can be charged in one of three ways:

- Standard charge: This will be the most common method of charging. The Z.E. would be charged at home or at a publically-accessible charging point. A full charge will take between 3.5 and 8 hours, depending on model (Twizy, 3.5 hours and Kangoo Z.E., ZOE Preview and Fluence Z.E. between 6 and 8 hours). For charging at home there are two methods: either a connection via a Wall-Box (this protects the domestic circuit) or an EVSE (Electric Vehcile Supply Equipment) offered as an option. The recommended option is the Wall-Box with the advantages of ergonomics, speed, load optimisation and protection of both the domestic circuit and the vehicle.

- Fast charge: In emergency, when the customer needs to charge the battery quickly, they can connect via a public fast charge point. This will give 37 miles range in less than 10 minutes or 80% battery capacity in 30 minutes. Quickcharge will be available on ZOE Preview and, at a later date, on Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Express Z.E..

- Quickdrop battery exchange stations: In some countries, Quickdrop battery exchange stations will be available. The customer will be able to change his depeleted battery for a fully-charged battery in just three minutes. This scheme is currently planned in Israel and Denmark, in partnership with Better Place.

A ’Spa Car’ for the ultimate relaxing ride

Renault ZOE Preview’s equipment package is geared to ensuring the wellbeing of its occupants:

- Skin hydration: conventional air conditioning systems can have a dehydrating effect on skin during longer journeys, but ZOE Preview's smart climate control system automatically adjusts the humidity level inside the car to optimise the comfort of its occupants.

- Detox effect: a toxicity sensor monitors air quality and automatically closes the air vents if necessary. Harmful substances are trapped in the cabin filter to ensure that cabin air stays clean at all times.

- Stimulating or relaxing scent diffuser: an electric system actively releases different scents depending on the needs of the moment (e.g. a relaxing fragrance during the drive home from work or, on the contrary, a scent to stimulate driver vigilance when travelling at night).

This triple-effect system has been developed in association with Biotherm®, the skin biology brand of L'Oréal's Luxury Products Division.

- Audio ambience: special music has been selected in partnership with specialist agency Creative Diffusion, which is associated with Qwartz (International New Music Awards), to harmonise the audio and relaxing experience inside the car.

- Light therapy: the central screen exudes a light that stimulates the energy of occupants and further enhances the impression of wellbeing. This feature forms part of a joint-project with the world-renowned light therapy specialist, Philips.

SOURCE: Renault